Khan said in a statement that Vajpayee was a prominent political personality of the sub-continent and his death has created a big void. Vajpayee died aged 93 in New Delhi today.

“Efforts of Mr Vajpayee for improvement in relations between Pakistan and India will be remembered forever,” said Khan. He said Vajpayee started efforts for improving Indo-Pak ties and continued them after becoming prime minister.

“As foreign minister Vajpayee strived to open up ways towards normalisation of relations among neighbouring states and had successfully taken this agenda to new heights after assuming the office of prime minister,” the statement read.

Khan said, “I extend sympathies to the people of India in this hour of grief”. He further said that by creating peace between the two countries, “we can truly recognise the service of Vajpayee”. Khan said both countries have just celebrated their independence and there is also a desire for peace on both sides of the border despite political differences.